Find love in the pub this Valentine’s Day

Around a fifth of UK adults in a relationship met their partner in the pub, according to the results of a new survey.

The research found 18 per cent met their partner at their ‘local’ beating work, online, nightclubs and holidays for finding love.

It found that 29 per cent of all adults would be most likely to go to a pub for a first date according to the poll carried out by YouGov on behalf of CAMRA this month.

The Friends on Tap report, produced by Professor Robin Dunbar at Oxford University, showed having a strong social network significantly improves happiness and wellbeing.

The report also found that people’s chances in love could be improved by visiting their local pub.

It discovered that as social skills improve initially after a drink and people are more likely to talk to strangers, they were more engaged in conversation and in some cases, rated people as more attractive.

The Friends on Tap report also shows that meeting someone in person in an environment such as a pub provides “direct cues of their honesty, trustworthiness and suitability as a friend or partner” making it less likely to fall victim to the “social or romantic predators” found online.

Tom Stainer, head of communications CAMRA, said: “It appears the local might be the place to be lucky in love, providing a great place for romance to blossom.

“And if all goes well, community pubs also provide ideal venues for engagement parties, a drink before a wedding, somewhere to wet the baby’s head with friends and anniversary celebrations.”

He added: “It’s clear local pubs play a vital role in our communities, benefit our happiness and wellbeing and provide the perfect environment for meeting new people - maybe that special person!”